LinkedIn is one of the fastest-growing social media sites in the world. It’s known as a top site for B2B marketing. Its members include freelancers, business owners, high-ranking professionals and college students. Unlike many other social sites, it’s not meant for sending funny memes, pictures of your cats, or even for use for “off color” businesses. It is a very focused social network that should be treated with respect.Who Can Benefit Most From LinkedInAnyone who has a sincere need to connect with others, build relationships with others, and likes to work together in a community to get things done should consider joining LinkedIn. Even if you already have a good job, or are very successful as a freelancer, joining LinkedIn and using it properly can only improve your opportunities.

Small Business Owners – Whether your business is online or a traditional brick and mortar store or service, LinkedIn can help you connect with customers and clients.

Publishers – If you are responsible for publishing books or magazines, you should be on LinkedIn as it is a great platform for getting the word out about the things that you publish. You can find new talent as well as market the talent that you already have.

Writers – LinkedIn is set up perfectly for authors. With the way the profile is created you can include excerpts from the books you write, as well as presentations such as book trailers. You can even offer links to your own published books.

Recruiters – A lot of people who need freelancers or employees for new jobs and new projects use LinkedIn as a way to connect with CEOs and recruiters. As a recruiter, you’ll get the most information about the people who want the jobs you represent.

Freelancers – If you are a freelancer and need more clients, especially if you’re in the business world of technology, writing, publishing, teaching, finance, accounting, operations and so forth, then LinkedIn is for you.

College Students – As you are approaching graduation it’s important to create a professional profile on LinkedIn that explains your experience, internships, shows demos of presentations you’ve given and so forth so that recruiters can locate you. Plus, you can send a link to your LinkedIn profile to people who might have positions for you.

Who Shouldn’t Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn is not for everyone. If you fall into one of these categories, it’s best to avoid this site as you probably won’t find much success here.

If You’re Not Interested in Business – As noted, LinkedIn isn’t designed for random photos, selfies, cute animal pictures, and anecdotes. There’s nothing wrong with this type of content but it’s better suited for Facebook, Instagram, and other social sites.

If You Only Want to Promote – If you think you can get on LinkedIn and just sell to people without communicating and building relationships, there is no point whatsoever for you to join LinkedIn.

If You Don’t Follow Through – If you’re not going to fully develop your profile, continue to update it, join a group or two, and participate on LinkedIn, there is no point in joining. Having a profile there, without ever going back to look at it or do anything, is useless.

Using LinkedIn, whether you use the free version or the upgraded version, can be a very lucrative way to build professional connections. While it may not always be clear what will happen with these connections at first, make connections that count and you’ll be glad that you did.